They make it so hard to love...

This sort of thing just shouldn't happen... but it does, and with far too much regularity.

In Malaysia, you have this much beloved government department devoted to keeping Muslims from being naughty or too western - the JAWI, or religious police. It is their job to keep up the high moral standards they believe everyone should adhere to. The majority of the time they keep their beady narrow eyes on muslim women (in more ways than one), and stop them from misbehaving (having fun) with muslim men they are not married to. Some of their other duties include stopping people from showing too much (any) affection in public, holding hands, hugging, smiling - ok, not that last one, but if they could... etc.
Now Malaysia is trying to become a developed country, and an Islamic one at that, so they are entering unknown territory - there are NO developed Islamic countries in the world (you could say Dubai and the UAE was developed, but I'm not sure of the 'requirements'). So, there are clearly a few common practises happening in Malaysia which would definitely slow down it's progress, and having a Morality police is certainly one of them. The grey area for this job would make any lawyer proud!
I don't have a problem per se with having a department devoted to keeping public order (that's what the police are for), but it's the job description, the limits (or lack of them) of their powers, who, what and where they are applicable and the people entrusted with this job that makes the difference. It seems to be that unemployable hicks from the backwaters get these jobs! They are the most conservative, holier-than-thou, hypocritical bunch of limp-wristed twits I have had the displeasure of seeing. The effects of their raids and inquisitions on mostly innocent people have created sooo much anger, humiliation and resentment among the Malays that they are feared. Which is exactly what they want.
Bastards.
Now, they have picked on the wrong couple, and have got egg on their faces, and have made Malaysia start to look like either a police-state, or a religious zealot's holiday destination of choice!
Malaysia is gonna have a hard time convincing people that it is moderate and open if it continues to humour these wankers.
I often find that one minute I really 'get' the place, and could spend time here, but then this ugly side of Malaysia rears is bigoted head; that, and the endemic racism. But that's another story!
They make is so hard to love it here...